As expected, Videotron today launched its new 3G+ network along with devices. The network offers data transfer speeds up to 21mbps (ramping up later to 42mbps with Dual-Carrier HSPA+ technology) and will, by year’s end, cover the bulk of Quebec’s population. According to Robert Dépatie, President and CEO of Videotron:
"Videotron’s 3G+ service reflects the goal we have pursued throughout this project: providing the best possible customer experience through one-stop shopping to make life easier for consumers. Not only is our offering highly advantageous in this respect but it is particularly attractive for our existing customers, who can get exceptional rates. We remain true to our policy of offering substantial discounts to customers who choose our service bundles."
On the device front, Videotron will initially offer 12 devices, including four Canadian firsts. Among those will be the Google Nexus One with Google Android 2.2, the Garmin Nuvifone A50 (with free traffic info and alerts included for three years), the Motorola XT720 and the entry-level Huawei U3200. A 30-day full satisfaction or money back guarantee will be offered with all devices.
Plans start at CA$29.50 per month (no other bundled services) for the ‘Call Anytime’ plan offer unlimited local calling, unlimited local and long-distance calls received from other Videotron mobile and residential line customers in Quebec, unlimited incoming text, photo and video messages, call waiting and forwarding, and more. At the higher end is the ‘Infinite Quebec + messaging’ plan offering unlimited calls within Quebec, unlimited messaging and more for CA$65.50 per month (no other bundled services).
Data rates start at CA$5.00 per month for 50MB and run up to CA$40 per month for 5GB.
Customers in the greater Montreal and Quebec City areas (including some municipalities in between) can sign up as of today. Customers in the Sherbrooke, Mauricie, Saint-Hyacinthe and Beloeil areas will be able to sign up starting in October. Mont-Tremblant, Drummondville and Victoriaville will follow by year’s end with service in the Saguenay / Lac St-Jean region, Gatineau, and Ottawa coming by spring 2011.